MLB trade rumors: New York Mets could look to $90 million Boston Red Sox superstar to solve designated hitter problem

Trade discussion around Major League Baseball has already started as teams prepare for the 2026 season. One possible scenario involves the New York Mets targeting Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida. The idea centers on the Mets improving their designated hitter spot while the Red Sox deal with an outfield crowded with players competing for playing time.The situation reflects how both rosters are currently built. New York already has three regular outfielders but still lacks a steady bat at DH. Boston, on the other hand, has several outfielders on the roster and may eventually need to move one to create space.

New York Mets still searching for a reliable designated hitter

The New York Mets have a settled outfield. Juan Soto plays right field, Luis Robert Jr. handles center field, and Jared Young starts in left.The designated hitter role remains less stable. Mark Vientos received many of those at-bats in 2025 and finished the season with a .233/.289/.413 line and 17 home runs.

Brett Baty also appeared at DH, although the team prefers him at third base.Yoshida could fit the role. He is a left-handed hitter known for making consistent contact, which would give the Mets another dependable bat in the lineup.

Boston Red Sox dealing with an outfield surplus

Boston Red Sox’s roster includes several outfield options. Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, and Roman Anthony are all competing for regular playing time.

Because of that depth, Yoshida has spent most of his time at designated hitter.

He also has more than $36 million remaining on his contract through the 2027 season. If the Red Sox want to open playing time for younger players, moving Yoshida could become an option.

Proposed trade framework

One proposed deal sends Mark Vientos and pitching prospect Jonah Tong to Boston in exchange for Yoshida.New York would take on most of Yoshida’s remaining contract, including his $18.6 million salary in 2026. Boston would receive a controllable hitter in Vientos and a young pitcher who could develop into rotation depth.

The overall value of the players involved is considered close, with estimates placing the deal at roughly $39 million in value for each side.

What each team gains from the trade

For the New York Mets, Masataka Yoshida could strengthen the designated hitter position. He has a career batting average of .282 and a strong approach at the plate. His contact ability could raise production at DH, where Vientos finished with a .702 OPS in 2025.Boston would gain roster flexibility and younger players.

Vientos could rotate between first and third base, while Tong would join the organization’s pitching depth behind starters such as Brayan Bello and Garrett Crochet.Moving Yoshida would also reduce the crowd in the Red Sox outfield.

Pros and cons of the deal

For New York Mets, the benefit is a clear upgrade at designated hitter. Masataka Yoshida recorded a 90.2 mph average exit velocity and a 44 percent hard-hit rate, suggesting he could perform better than he did in an injury-affected 2025 season.

The risk is the remaining contract through 2027, along with limited defensive value.Boston’s advantage is adding younger players and reducing salary commitments. The risk is losing a reliable contact hitter, especially if Vientos does not improve after his .702 OPS season.

Masataka Yoshida’s offensive track record

Yoshida has been a consistent hitter during his time in the majors. Across 303 career games, he has posted a .282 batting average with steady on-base production.His 2025 season was shorter, but expected metrics suggested his performance could have been better.

The Mets’ internal DH options produced less offense. Vientos finished 2025 with a .702 OPS, while Baty recorded a .254/.313/.435 line while playing third base.

Possible outcome if the trade happens

If this type of trade were completed, the New York Mets would likely see the immediate benefit. Masataka Yoshida would add another reliable hitter to a lineup that already includes Soto and Robert, while solving the team’s uncertainty at designated hitter.Also read: MLB trade rumors: Milwaukee Brewers potentially eyeing 13.35 million Houston Astros star to improve title odds; Aaron Ashby key trade asset?Boston Red Sox’s return would focus on the future. Vientos brings power potential, and Tong adds another young arm to the pitching pipeline. The move would also clear playing time in the Red Sox outfield.